preferably
adverb
pref·er·a·bly
ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 
also pri-ˈfər-ə-blē
: by choice or preference
—used to indicate what is wanted or preferred
The work should be done soon, preferably by the end of the week.
Applicants should hold a college degree, preferably with teaching experience.
Water thoroughly during the coolest time of day (preferably early morning), then allow soil to dry completely … before watering again.—
Michael MacCaskey
Michael MacCaskeyMound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Lynne Rossetto KasperExamples of preferably in a Sentence
I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field
Recent Examples on the Web
Move bike lanes to side streets, preferably one-way streets, which have dramatically less traffic.
—
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
In fact, Heser considers a tousled Italian bob (preferably, but not necessarily, with bangs) to be one of the ultimate come-as-you-are cuts.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
The right coach is someone who is trained, preferably certified, and committed to their own continued development.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Hang spray bottles by their triggers on a sturdy hanger (preferably wooden) in a utility or cleaning closet.
—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferably
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Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
In fact, Heser considers a tousled Italian bob (preferably, but not necessarily, with bangs) to be one of the ultimate come-as-you-are cuts.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
The right coach is someone who is trained, preferably certified, and committed to their own continued development.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Hang spray bottles by their triggers on a sturdy hanger (preferably wooden) in a utility or cleaning closet.
—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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